Go Back
+ servings
A dried cherry tart on a dessert plate.

Brandied Cherry and Pear Tarts

These individual pear and dried cherry tarts are the perfect dessert for fall. The tart, sour cherries get baked with sweet, juicy pears and create a jammy filling.
The cherries get soaked in brandy for a sweet oaky flavor. if you don't want to use alcohol, replace the brandy with apple juice.
5 from 6 votes
Print Pin Save
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 356kcal
Author: Dahn Boquist

Ingredients

For the Filling

  • 4 to 5 pears
  • 2 cups 10 ounces/284 grams dried sour cherries
  • ½ cup brandy
  • ½ cup water
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Equipment

  • Six 4 to 4 ½ inch tartlet pans

Instructions

  • Make the pie dough and let it chill in the fridge while you make the filling.

For the Filling

  • Place the dried cherries, brandy, water, sugar, and cornstarch in a large saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until thickened, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Peel, halve and core the pears then cut them into ¼ to ½ inch chunks. Add them to the cherry mixture and toss well. Set the mixture aside while you prepare the tartlet pans.

Make the Tartlets

  • Roll the dough out to about 1/6 to 1/8 inch thickness, if it is too firm from the cold refrigerator, let it sit on the counter for 10 to 15 minutes until it is easier to roll. Cut out 6 circles of dough about 6 inches in diameter and lay into the tartlet pans, push the dough down into the pans and cut the edges away.
  • Fill each tartlet with a heaping ½ cup of filling.
  • Slice the remaining dough into strips about ½ inch thick and lay the strips over the filling in a lattice pattern.
  • Place the tartlets on a baking sheet and place in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to firm up the pastry dough.
  • Preheat the oven to 375°.
  • Place the tartlets in the center of the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes or until the lattice tops are a light golden brown.
  • Allow to cool for 15 to 20 minutes before removing from the tartlet pans.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 356kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 160mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 27g